Check for scoring on the rod bearing. If the rod didn't break at high revs, then I'd say it happened there. Spin a rod bearing, seize the big end of the rod and whack!

UL

 

When valves hit the pistons they leave a very distinct impression, even if the value shows no damage. That is the top of the piston is usually black and the values with leave an impression when they make contact. Once the head is removed a simple check of the pistons will determine if the values made contact. If they did, it would be considered an overrev by AHM. The values strike the pistons (float) at 10,700 RPM in countless hours of destruction testing at Honda. That's how they know.

Now if the pistons are clean and unmarked then it is probably either oil starvation or massive overheating (failed water pump?) or debris got in and wedged the piston. Either way the piston jambed in the cylider and broke the connecting rod.

These are two largely separate issues. Only a complete engine teardown will give the answer. Unless you can post pictures of the head, pistons and cylider wals we can't offer any constructive advice. There is nothing to go on.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tenblade2001
[B]what do you mean "car chip"

 

Here is one thread of many about the oil jet bolts. I put four new ones in my early '01 S2000 in January. I've slept better ever since, although no one knows if it really would have prevented your problem. As the failures accumulate, with very few after engine number 1025386, I bet the oil jet bolts make a difference.

Stick with Honda. Be firm, patient, but committed to getting a warranty repair. If you didn't over rev the engine, and if you didn't run the engine with zero oil, this is a valid warranty claim.

Remember that dhess's abysmal treatment was from Honda Australia, not from AHM.

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I just got off the phone with service and they seem more than interested in getting underway with this.

 

You're welcome. You're now listed in the short block replacement thread.

 

I agree with the comments about valves leaving an impression on the piston crown. An over rev is not the only cause of this. Other causes can include a broken rod bolt. In this case the rod cap flexes on the remaining bolt allowing the piston to hit the head. Eventually the piston disintergrates and hits the valves. I have also seen pistons crack through where holes/slots behind the oil scraper rings sit. The crown goes up and stays parked against the valves. Eventually the remainder of the piston turns sideways and bang.

It can be very hard to determine the root cause. As everything is smashed to bits. Its worth crack testing all the other pistons, rods, rod bolts and checking the bores to see if the other components were also on the way out.

Good luck with Honda if your car is still under warranty.

 

Barry WY Silver/Black '01,
How do I find out what engine number I have ?
Thanks
Beroz

 

Dang Scott...

Hopefully they will fix it without giving you too much hassle. At least its still under warranty. I guess the new engine will have the updated bolts.

 

Ouch! Hope you get back up and running soon Scot.

Beginning at what VIN # did Honda start putting in these "new" updated bolts in our cars? I have an 02 #6959... Also where would I get these bolts, if needed and will the dealer put them in for me?